From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Tuesday, August
26, 1997
LOCAL
Conservation District, County Combine in Fight Against Trash
Public Nuisances Draw Complaints About Procedures
'Morning With Marland' Shows Off Most Areas of 'A Guide to a Walking Tour'
Local Artists Exhibiting Works at P.C. Art Center
Rural Development Coalition Meeting Tuesday in Blackwell
Local Poetry Writer In National Contest
Ponca City Karaoke Contestant Second
DEATHS
Catherine Elizabeth Horinek
Ricke Dale Larkins
Services Pending
Ina Mae Wells
Mabel V. McPherson
Orville Taylor
NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS
Frank Vascellaro Earns Certification As Coordinator
Window Works Outgrows Space At Pioneer's Business Incubator
Chamber of Commerce Plans To Expand Staff
Gift Shop Requested For Cultural Center
Notes & Quotes
Unusual Farming Efforts Featured in New Magazine
Unemployment Above Average
Doyeto Prints Available Locally From 2 Bears
Update Edition Stories Needed
LIFESTYLES
Professionals Today Install New Officers
SPORTS
Lady Cats Still Seek Hitting
Have Clubs, Will Travel
PC Trio Goes East For Golf
By MARK GALVIN
News Staff Writer
NEWKIRK - The county commissioners are joining with the Kay County Conservation District to find ways to stop people from dumping trash on rural roadsides.
Addressing the commissioners during their regular weekly meeting Monday, soil conservationist Dick Zetterberg said the conservation district is responding to complaints that have elevated the issue to one of the district's top priorities.
If the two groups can achieve some kind of control, it could be the county's first real handle on the widespread problem.
In response to an Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality request, the commissioners prepared a solid waste plan last year, with OSU Extension Director Larry Fleck identifying some major 18 dumping sites across the county.
District Two Commissioner Wayne Leven said the county was required to make the solid waste plan "but didn't have to implement it" at the time.
The commissioners admitted the county's current fight against trash dumping - which usually means having the sheriff's department make the violators come and pick it back up - hasn't been too effective.
Leven said the trash dumpers can face $1,000 to $2,000 fines, "but you've got to catch them first."
Zetterberg said the conservation district's role is probably to provide education and information programs so people can realize the far-reaching problems caused by indiscriminate dumping of trash, beyond just the unsightliness.
In roadside trash sites across the county, old refrigerators can lie face up in a creekbed, clogging the normal drainage along with old shingles, paint cans and mounds of litter, and the discarded carcasses of dogs and farm animals often are decomposing at the side of a thoroughfare.
Sofas and stuffed chairs that have sat for months can typically be strewn with brand-new garbage.
District One Commissioner Dee Schieber said he suspects some of the illegal roadside dumping results from residents not wanting to pay the $12-per-truckload required at the city landfill.
But a lot of it is just laziness, too, he said.
Leven said a possible solution is to turn areas over to youth organizations so that, once the county has cleaned up a site, the youth group might throw wildflower seeds and enhance the area, perhaps discouraging further dumping.
Schieber said other counties have positioned dumpsters every five or six miles for collections.
Zetterberg said Tulsa County has seen success with informational signs, such as by posting "Do Not Dump Oil" signs near storm drains.
"You don't just dump. There's a right way to do it," he said.
"I wanted to do an experiment and go to a real clean site and put up a "No Dumping" sign - I wonder how long it would take before people started dumping there."
By PATTI PFEIFFER
News Staff Writer
Private citizens and public nuisances plagued Monday night's City Commission meeting. In two different cases involving two different pieces of property two different citizens criticized and complained about the city's procedures and policies involving public nuisances.
The first case involved a long running battle with an elderly woman whose has refused assistance in cleaning her yard and whose neighbors continue to complain about it's condition. Fire chief, Larry Mullikin, declared the property to be a nuisance on August 13 and wrote that he considered the matter as a "continual problem."
After a long discussion with city commissioners, fire marshal Bill Hargraves, the city attorney, and the property owner, Elizabeth Totten, it was determined that Totten would have to post a $3,000 bond and would be given 45 days to clean the property. If not cleaned within that time frame, the city would use that money to have the property cleaned.
In another "nuisance" case, property owner, Bryan Drake complained about being billed over $4,425 for property the city had mowed. Drake claimed the city not only needlessly but very expensively mowed his 20 acre tract shortly after he had mowed it himself, adding that he felt he had been "singled out."
Not once but twice, City Fire Marshall Bill Hargraves found himself defending his actions. "A lot of people think I pick these lots out. I don't, I only work off of citizen's complaints," Hargraves defensively said. "I have enough to do and I don't take action until I do get a complaint. I have orders from my boss and the city manager to write citations and take action when there are violations."
The Drake matter was referred to city manager Gary Martin to be reviewed for fairness.
City Commissioners also approved a resolution designating the Ponca City Industrial Park as Enterprise Zone which will make certain tax credits available to certain types of businesses in the area.
Commissioners approved the restated and modified agreement with District Court Judge Boyd for the Ponca City Municipal Court to continue its jurisdiction over certain juvenile matters. The new agreement increased the scope of the Office of Juvenile Affairs in matters involving local juveniles.
Also approved was a resolution designating and confirming the mayor's nomination for the newly created Energy Advisory Board. Appointed to the Board were Stuart Powell, Danny Thompson, Mark Detten, David Meyers and Hubert Watts.
New policies and guidelines for the Cultural Center were approved by the Commission as was the city budget.
The commissioners acting as the Ponca City Utility Authority voted to approve a resolution authorizing removal of the trustee under the General Bond Indenture and appointing Bank of Oklahoma as successor. The action was necessary due to the recent change of the banks involving NationsBank and Boatman's Bank, and to fulfill criteria established by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
The PCUA also awarded a bid to Sherman Utility Structures, Inc. for four concrete poles in the amount of $9,452. The new concrete poles will replace the current wooden poles near the waste water treatment plant located in a swampy area. According to staff reports the wooden poles "have been totally destroyed by woodpeckers."
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
An innovative "Morning with Marland," was held Friday for Marland Estate Guides, Marland Estate Commissioners, City Commissioners and volunteers. The event introduced a new brochure entitled "A Guide to a Walking Tour of the Estate of Ernest Whitworth Marland."
The event began with muffins and coffee in the formal dining room of the Marland Mansion, where Kathy Adams, executive director, dressed in "Roaring Twenties style," told about the walking tour. Between 50 and 60 persons took the tour.
After leaving the Mansion the tour next went to the statue of George Marland, which stands in the garden west of the Mansion. Next stop is Angela Hall. After that the walking tour goes to Artist Studio and Lydie's cottage.
Information is also given about The Stables, which is a private residence next door. Details is given about Lake Whitemarsh, Unity Gym, the Boat House, the North Vista, the North Terrace, the original swimming pool, the Gargoyles on the pool terrace and the Conference Center.
Other stops include the Gatehouse, the South Terrace and the Porte Cochere.
The back of the brochure gives the layout of the Marland Estate. Also chronicled is the history of the Estate, which tells the Marland Mansion was constructed 1925-1928 at a cost of $5.5 million, including labor, materials and furnishings.
The Mansion was home to E.W. Marland and his second wife, Lydie from 1928-1930. The house was not occupied from 1930 to 1941, but was used for parties and special occasions. In 1941 the Mansion was purchased by the Carmelite Fathers, who sold it to the Felician Sisters in 1948 and they lived there until it was purchased by the City of Ponca City in 1975.
The skydiving team of Doc Maglaughin, jump master will appear at the Ponca City Balloon Festival and Air Show this weekend. Maglaughin operates the Kansas Sky Ranch in Udall, Kan.
The skydivers will demonstrate tandem jumps, smoke jumping and one will carry the American flag. The jumpers are all FAA rated personnel and have a United States Parachute Associate license. They will be using Ram'air parachutes, a high performance square parachute.
The public will have the opportunity to participate in tandem jumps with a licensed instructor. The student and instructor will exit the airplane linked together by the same harness from about 9,000 feet. The student will experience free fall, canopy control and landing. This unique training may be experienced for the reasonable fee of $135.
Admission both days to the Air Show is $3, youths under five, $1, and parking is free. This event is sponsored partially by Ponca City Tourism Authority, Ponca City Aviation Booster Club, EAA Chapter 1046, Conoco Inc., Thorn Apple Valley and Lowe's of Ponca City. For more information contact Gene Sigle (405) 762-7427.
Three top award-winning local artists are currently exhibiting their works at the Ponca City Art Center. Area citizens and visitors may view the sculptures of Jo Saylors and the oils, watercolors and pastels of Shirley Petersen and Elaine Armstrong each Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The exhibit will hang through Sept. 14.
Petersen and Armstrong are well-known throughout the area as art instructors in various mediums including oil, watercolor, pastel and other painting styles. Armstrong also teaches various mediums in children's classes at the art center during the summer months.
The local works of Saylors are seen in the community at the west entrance to the Ponca City Library and at Centennial Plaza at the Civic Center.
All three artists have won numerous awards and ribbons in exhibits and adjudicated art shows throughout the United States. They each have works exhibited in private and corporate collections and Saylors works have been commissioned internationally.
Petersen's work reminds one of the old Masters oils and is described as rich and full of great depth. She paints approximately 22 paintings per year and is still honing her skills by taking workshops and classes from well-known instructors.
Armstrong, who teaches art at the First Assembly Christian School is primarily exhibiting her works in watercolor at the show, but also has a few pastels hanging.
Both Petersen and Armstrong have served on the Ponca City Art Association Board of Directors.
The Oklahoma Rural Development Coalition is slated to meet at 10 a.m., Sept. 2, at Kay Electric in Blackwell, where the group will hear about moving the State Information/Visitors Center to the Blackwell Exit. Presently the center is located a few miles north of Blackwell on I-35. The public is invited.
Kathleen Marks of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism is on the agenda. She will discuss moving the Information/Visitors Center. Ms. Marks will also bring some design suggestions to the meeting, according to Sen. Paul Muegge, who arranged for Marks to attend the coalition gathering.
Another important item on the agenda includes the update on the possibility of building a Straw Board Plant in the area. Other committee reports will be given.
Marilyn Harmon, chairman of the Far North Central Coalition urges everyone to attend. "A good turnout will help our cause. This is important to north-central Oklahoma."
For more information about the meeting contact Harmon at (405) 363-1260.
Donna Kennedy of Ponca City has reached the semifinals of a national poetry contest sponsored by the Poetry Guild.
Kennedy's selection, "Rainbows," has been published in the Poetry Guild's latest anthology, "Beyond the Horizon."
Kennedy prefers writing about inspirations and has written poetry for 23 years. Her other hobbies include crocheting and reading.
Ponca City's Chris Holroyd finished second in the state finals of the Coast to Coast Karaoke Contest in Oklahoma City Saturday.
Holroyd was runner-up to Jerri Haynes of Oklahoma City, who will now represent Oklahoma in the national contest in Orlando, Fla.
April Hopkins of Ponca City also competed in the state competition but
finished out of the money.
DEATHS
NEWKIRK - Catherine Elizabeth Horinek, lifelong Newkirk area resident, died Monday, Aug. 25, 1997, in Newkirk, after a lengthy illness. She was 77.
A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 1997, at Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in Newkirk. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 1997, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 421 South Seventh Street, Ponca City. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery.
Catherine Elizabeth (Schmidt) Horinek was born on Aug. 18, 1920, to Oscar and Matilda (Eck) Schmidt, on the family farm near Newkirk. Catherine grew up on farms in the Peckham-Newkirk-Ponca City area and graduated from Newkirk High School.
She was married to Arthur Victor Horinek on July 1, 1941 in Newkirk, and the couple had celebrated 28 years of marriage before his death in November 1969. Always a hard worker, Mrs. Horinek began employment at Titus Industries after her children were grown. She retired from Titus at age 73. Two months later she suffered the first in a series of debilitating strokes. With great effort, she continued her enjoyable volunteer job in the Gift Shop at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Mrs. Horinek was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ponca City.
Survivors include two sons, Dean A. Horinek and his wife Susan, of Dallas Texas, and David J. Horinek and his wife Sheryl of Wann; one daughter, Susan M. McGrew of Norman; eight grandchildren, Kevin Horinek and his wife Gayla of Lewisville, Texas, Kristin Horinek Balko and her husband Dr. Gregory Balko of Winston-Salem, N.C., Kelly Horinek of Dallas, Texas, 2nd Lt. Brian McGrew of Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Miranda and Shane McGrew of Norman, and Arthur and William Horinek of Wann; and one great-granddaughter, Madison Rose Horinek of Lewisville, Texas.
Also one sister, Louella Luis of Newkirk; brothers, Raymond Schmidt and his wife Mary of Geuda Springs, Kan., and Albert Schmidt and his wife Lois of the Newkirk area; a sister-in-law, Glendora Schmidt and brothers-in law, Lawrence Horinek and his wife Betty, and Leonard Horinek and his wife, Lucille, all of the Newkirk area; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Johnnie Schmidt.
paid obituary
Ricke Dale Larkins graduated Cum Laude from Earth to Heaven on Aug. 22, 1997, at his home. He was 44.
He dubbed his home "A Boy House," where from his own inventive mind he encouraged creativity in his sons, Brandt Liam (14) and Daniel Dale Ian (13), and in their eyes he was a man of vision. His sons were his very life. In preparation for a future without him, he grounded his sons in the "God of his own childhood, the beauty of nature's forests and streams, and the value found in the "forever" kind of friends - to have one, you have to be one"
Perhaps the greatest legacy Ricke left to his sons, and to all who knew him was the memory of the fierce protective love of a true giant with a gentle heart. His adoring sister called him "A Large and Growly Fuzzy Bear."
Ricke was born June 15, 1953, in Ponca City to Norris Dale and Alta Ilean (Pruitt) Larkins. His love and study of all God's creatures began at an early age, and his fight for their right to remain as close as possible to their own nature, lasted throughout his lifetime. His formal education began, as had generations before him, at Garfield School, where there was no question but that prayer be allowed where children are nurtured. He expressed concerns for peers who did not know that God made our world.
Ricke was active in his family church, and at age 12 became a speaker for youth groups. For his last year of high school Ricke joined his father in the remote village of Yakutat, Alaska, where on a clear day he could see Russia. They saw each other through earthquakes and the meeting of their first bear, and there, began a love of danger and adventure. He was to return there again and again.
On his first trip home, he married Mary Horne, his sweetheart of many years and set up a mechanic shop. When that marriage ended he returned to Alaska and spent several years helping to build the Alaska Pipeline.
Ricke then entered law enforcement in Alaska as an undercover agent. For his own and his family's safety there were periods of time when family could not know where he was. When he chose to leave that service to make his home in Ponca City in 1985, he married Elizabeth Cramp, the mother of his sons and stepson Preston James Law.
After his marriages he graduated from Northern Oklahoma College with a degree in English. He was a talented author who had published works and at the time of his death had an unfinished trilogy.
As a mother, I cannot sum up an only son in a few words, but I can say to my grandsons that given a choice he would not have left you, but what you had of him will last a lifetime. John 16: 33 "In this world we will have trouble - be not afraid, for I have overcome the world." Carry in your heart these words, "I thank my God for every remembrance of you."
Survivors include his sons, Brandt Liam Larkins and Daniel Dale Ian Larkins, both of the home and stepson, Preston James Law, Corpus Christi, Texas; his mother, Ilean Larkins of the home; and his sister, Mrs. Roy "Peggy" Brookshire and her three daughters, Piper, Pallas and Tila, of Stillwater; two aunts, Wallie Gorman and Xury Mae Kuhn and an uncle, Marchal Land, all of Bastrop, La. He was preceded in death by his father, Norris D. "Pappy" Larkins on April 28, 1997.
Funeral services were held at the IOOF Cemetery in Ponca City today, Aug. 26, 1997, with the Rev. Bracy Hill, pastor of First Assembly of God Church officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.
Honorary casket bearers were Don Self, Kenneth Brookshire, "Ed", Tom Burdick, Dan Chaney, Keith Partaine, Tom Brookshire, Roy Brookshire, Phillip Brookshire, Lyndle Sensman - all honorable men.
paid obituary
Ina Mae Wells, Ponca City resident, died Monday, Aug. 25, 1997, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 90. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Mabel Vivian McPherson, Ponca City resident, died Monday evening, Aug. 25, 1997, in Ponca City. She was 76. Arrangements are pending with Trout Funeral Home.
Orville Taylor, Ponca City resident, died Monday morning, Aug. 25, 1997
at the Ponca Nursing Home. He was 85. Arrangements are pending with Trout
Funeral Home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Library Closing - The Ponca City Library will be closed for Labor Day beginning Friday Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. until 9 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 2. Following the Labor Day weekend, winter hours will begin at the library which will include Sundays. The new hours will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon. through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Found - A sweet female dog has been found east of Ponca City. The number to call for identification is 762-9317.
Legion Meeting - There will be a regular meeting of the American Legion Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Huff-Minor American Legion Post 14, 407 West South Avenue. (There will not be a family dinner as was announced in Sunday's Happenings.)
Arrest - Police arrested a woman at 10:48 a.m. Monday for failure to appear, failure to return rental property and a bogus check.
Vehicle Fire - Rescue 1 responded to a vehicle fire at 12:32 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of North Fourteenth Street.
Arrest - A 35-year-old man was arrested at 2:02 p.m. Monday in the 1700 block of North Waverly Street on a Kay County warrant.
Stolen Swing - The communications center received a call at 2:21 p.m. Monday from a resident in the 300 block of South Lake Street reporting the theft of a porch swing and garden hose. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Forgery - A man in the 800 block of South Eleventh Street reported to police at 2:27 p.m. Monday that his brother signed his name to a loan and a collection agency was now trying to collect from him. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 33-year-old woman at 3:52 p.m. Monday for driving under the influence, driving under suspension, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Injured Child - The communications center received a call at 4:48 p.m. Monday from a woman reporting that her son had been hit in the face with a rock by another juvenile. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - At 4:56 p.m. Monday police arrested a 23-year-old man for public intoxication, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Injury Accident - An ambulance and a rescue unit responded to an injury accident in the 1300 block of Bradley Avenue at 5:11 p.m. Monday. Police reported one person was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
Arrest - Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 5:21 p.m. Monday at North Ash Street and West Chestnut Avenue for driving under restriction, corner cutting and on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.
Vandalism - A woman in the 500 block of South Twelfth Street reported to police at 5:46 p.m. Monday that her vehicle had been vandalized during the night. Someone had tried to "pry open the gas tank" and scratched the hood. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Juveniles Cited - Several juveniles were cited for smoking behind the old Lincoln School after a resident called the communications center at 7:22 p.m. Monday reporting a group of juveniles at that location.
Possible Fire - One fire engine, an ambulance and a command unit responded to a possible fire in the 2300 block of Chapel Hill at 10:14 p.m. Monday when a resident reported the smell of smoke coming from the attic. No fire was found.
Stolen Bike - A man in the 500 block of South Washington reported to the communications center at 10:46 p.m. that a bike had been stolen off the porch. An officer was assigned.
Arrest - Police arrested a 29-year-old woman at 1:44 a.m. Tuesday
on a city warrant after Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter reported a woman
throwing rocks at windows.
BUSINESS
Frank Vascellaro, Pioneer Technology Center's adult training and development coordinator, received his adult coordinator's certification at Oklahoma's Vocational Association conference held recently in Tulsa. The certification is a one-year course of study that concentrates on the adult short-term program.
Vascellaro also received the 1997 Customized Business and Industry Training Services (CBITS) award for the training project of the year at Pioneer Tech.
Pioneer Tech became the first vo-tech in North America to begin the A+ computer repair technician training program. The program can help individuals prepare for the A+ Certification exam. The A+ certification is backed by major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers and publications. Earning the certification means that an individual possesses the knowledge, skills and customer relations skills essential for a computer service technician.
Vascellaro has been employed as Pioneer Technology Center's adult training and development coordinator for one year.
By Janet L. Taber
Pioneer Technology Center
Pioneer Technology Center recently held a graduation celebration for Worth Abercrombie of Abercrombie Window Works. Window Works has been at Pioneer Technology Center's business incubator for three years and has moved to its new location at 2160 Tonkawa Road (old Highway 60).
Before moving to Pioneer Tech's business incubator in 1994, the Abercrombie's started the home-based business in their garage. At the time Window Works was the only retail operation in north central Oklahoma that manufactured customized windows. It was not long before additional space and other assistance was needed to help make the business successful.
Larry Atteberry, business incubator manager, assisted Abercrombie in finding office and manufacturing space. Atteberry also provided assistance in bookkeeping, marketing, tax planning and business man agreement. With this type of assistance, the business began doing better than it had anticipated.
Abercrombie concentrated on making the business customer-oriented. "If a customer wants only one window, we will make one window," he said.
The Abercrombie's attitude for quality and customer satisfaction soon gained them a reputation when window orders began coming from Kansas and other states, Atteberry noted.
Window Works makes custom windows with panels that can easily be removed from the frames for cleaning. Abercrombie also specializes in making double-paned windows for homes and businesses. With the move to the new building, the former Ranch Drive Body and Paint Shop, additional lines of windows are being produced.
"While Window Works was in the incubator, the business grew and doubled in size of their space requirements," Atteberry said. "We had to move the business into two separate units from the original unit. The interesting thing is, when Worth Abercrombie first came to the business incubator, he came because he needed more space for his business and he left because he needed more space. I am very pleased that the entire incubator staff could facilitate in this growth for Kay County."
Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce is now in the process of accepting applications for the newly created position of vice president/general manager of Chamber operations.
Jan Jarrett, new president and chief executive officer, said that the recently expanded program and responsibilities of the organization prompted the decision to increase staff capabilities.
"The Chamber is pleased," Jarrett said, "to be in a position to play a major role in the future economic development activities of Ponca City and to become a strong participant in making positive things happen for our area."
"The addition of a vice president/general manager," Jarrett continued, "will fit smoothly with the plans of our Board of Directors to upgrade both our service to existing members and Chamber program activities as well as to provide for staff commitment and support of the Economic Development Division activities."
The Chamber recently entered into an agreement with the City of Ponca City to serve as the responsible agent for seeking new employment opportunities for the city and to assist and service the needs of existing businesses and industry which plan expansion.
According to Jarrett, the new vice president/general manager will be responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the day-to-day operations of Chamber programs, projects and membership services, with the overall objective being to create a higher level of direct customer service delivery to the membership and the community. The primary areas of emphasis for the VP/GM will be the Chamber's Program of Action, committee management, staff coordination, membership recruitment and maintenance, record keeping, finance and member and public relations.
Jarrett noted that the person filling the newly created staff position will need to possess strong skills in the areas of leadership, organization management, marketing, computer skills, public relations and finance. "It's a tall order" Jarrett said, "but we are confident that we will be able to find the right person to add to our team."
Applications are being accepted at the Chamber office, Fifth and Grand.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Business Editor
Ponca City Tourism Authority has voted to establish a gift shop in the Cultural/Information Center, 1000 East Grand. The final approval will come from the City Commission as the Information Center is supported by a three percent hotel/motel tax.
Missy Morland, coordinator, told of the items that would be carried including mugs, key chains, refrigerator magnets, spoons, coasters, Christmas ornaments, lapel pins and postcards.
Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce's Give Ponca the Business appeared before the authority asking for a donation for advertising for that group. Paula Coppock and Lisa Coy represented the Chamber.
Coppock said that since the City of Ponca City will not be making a contribution this year, more funds are needed for regional advertising. No decision was made on the matter as it was not on the agenda and the Chamber group spoke in the citizens comment portion of the agenda.
The Tourism Authority, chaired by David Zimmerman, approved the itinerary and expenses for 1997-1998 travel and tourism shows. These shows are attended by Morland and volunteers and the goal is to lure overnight visitors to Ponca City. The total cost, including registration and expenses, is $6,800.
Shows on the list are Glamer Show, Kansas City, Oct. 8; Senior Group Travel Expo, Inc., Dallas, Oct. 16; Oklahoma Samaboree, Shawnee, Oct. 16-19; Dan Dipert Show, Dallas, Jan. 16-17; Kincaid Travel, Overland, Park, Kan., Feb. 20; Jefferson Travel, Oklahoma, March 1998; Governor's Conference on Tourism, Tulsa, Oct. 13 and 14.
In other action the PCTA approved increasing the multiplier in determining economic impact of multipliers to 2 percent. Prior to this 1.34 percent had been used.
The 1996-1997 motel tax raised $99,998. This compares to $105,465 for the same time frame in 1995-1996.
Morland said the PCTA will be vying for a number of 1997 tourism awards at the Governor's Conference, including best brochure or publication for Marland Mansion, Festival of Angels, Standing Bear Program and Standing Bear brochure.
Entries for other awards include the PCTA booth and Standing Bear Poster for miscellaneous promotions; Marland Mansion for outstanding attraction; Festival of Angels for outstanding event; Herb Festival for outstanding new event, and Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens for the native beauty award.
Tax Broadcast
A special. satellite broadcast on "Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997," will be hosted here by Joe Alcott and Gene Hines, local Edward Jones investment representatives. This special satellite broadcast will be held on Sept. 3 at the Edward Jones office, 708 North Fourteenth.
Panelists will be Frank Mellon, attorney with the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernard, McPherson and Hand in McLean, Va.; Alan Skrainka and Lindsey Wilkins of Edward Jones. The seminar is free, but space is limited. For more information or to register please call the office at (405) 765-6651.
Vision Days
Dr. J.C. Trotter has announced his participation in Vision Days, a national program to promote vision and eye care. From Sept. 2 to Oct. 3, Dr. Trotter will provide free vision screenings for children from preschool to early youth.
The free screenings are part of an on-going effort to promote vision care among children. American Foundation for Vision Awareness studies indicate as many as one out of four school aged children have vision problems significant enough to impact academic performance.
Fisher-Price, the leading marketer of eyewear to children, is the national sponsor of this program. Dr. Trotter supports all efforts to screen for vision deficiencies, particularly among children, and actively supports the Fisher-Price effort.
Attends Conference
Pam Wilburn of Ponca City was among 3, 000 entrepreneurs to attend BeautiControl Cosmetics' annual conference in Nashville. As an independent skin care and image consultant Wilburn attended business and leadership development workshops and received training related to BeautiControl's newest products.
Environmental Publications
The Osage Tribal Council, the Osage Producers Association the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 has officially released two environmental publications. These publications are The Osage Operators Environmental Reference Manual and the Osage Operators Environmental Handbook, these publications were developed and written specifically for oil and gas producers in the Osage.
TONKAWA - One of the newest tools in agriculture is growing right in Kay County - in the form of a bimonthly publication. AgVentures, a magazine directed toward the entrepreneurial farmer, contains the latest information on diversified crop, livestock and aquaculture ventures as well as information on the tools needed to farm them.
Publisher Sherrie Schatz of Tonkawa is excited about the new magazine and the editorial focus. "It is absolutely amazing to learn about what can be farmed and sold," she stated. "Our first issue contains information on butterfly farming. Do you know how profitable butterfly farming can be? Our research shows it can be a very lucrative agricultural commodity," she continued. "And there are lots of these niche markets out there - snail farming, chili pepper farms and even cricket farms."
Each issue of AgVentures is circulated to over 20,000 homes nationwide. Staffed by an experienced team, the objective is to provide accurate information on the types of ventures producers are pursuing to improve their bottom line.
"Agriculture is affected by everything from the weather to market demand, yet offers some uniquely profitable and changing niche markets," Schatz added. "There are exciting opportunities for the agricultural entrepreneur and AgVentures delivers the facts on what can be farmed, what it takes to farm it, and where to sell it."
For more information, call AgVentures at 405-628-4551.
Kay County's unemployment rate for July continues to be above the state and national levels. Kay County's rate is listed at 6.2 percent according to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission figures. The rate is up slightly from the June figure of 6 percent and down from the 6.5 percent listed a year ago.
The average rate for Oklahoma for July is listed at 3.7 percent. The national unemployment rate is 5 percent.
Other area counties and averages include Grant with 2.4 percent, compared to June's 2.7 and 3.5 in July 1997. Osage County shows 3.2 percent unemployment compared to 3.5 in June and 3.6 in 1997. Pawnee County lists 4.9 unemployment compared to 5 percent in June and 6.6 percent in 1997. Payne County shows 1.4 percent unemployment compared to 1.5 in June and 6.6 a year ago.
Jerry and Lesley Riddle of 2 Bears N-D-N Crafts have announced that they are the exclusive distributorship of Clif Doyeto prints.
Doyeto is the Kiowa artist who created the print "In Memory Of", which depicts scenes of survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. All profits made by the artist from the sale go to a special relief fund. Doyeto is expected to be in Ponca City for the Standing Bear Festival at the end of September.
The Riddles have been selling Indian crafts since 1982 and have been located in Ponca City since 1995. They specialize in American Indian crafts and cultural items, made in America by Native Americans. Jerry is a registered member of the Chickasaw tribe and does most of the beadwork and leatherwork items.
Both Riddles are lifelong Kay County residents, with Jerry living at Chilocco and graduating from Newkirk High School and Lesley graduating from Ponca City High School.
The annual Update edition of The News is slated for publication on Oct.
19. The News needs copy and photographs from local industries by Sept. 29.
This is an opportunity for firms to give an "update" on their
companies by providing current information. For more information contact
Louise Abercrombie, Business Editor at 765-3311.
LIFESTYLES
Debra Whitener was sworn in as president of Professionals Today at the luncheon meeting held recently at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Conference Center on the Marland Estate. Phyllis Worley is the outgoing president.
Tom Leonard, city commissioner, officiated at the installation ceremony. Other officers are Ruth Capshaw, president-elect; Suzanne Zanardi, secretary; Julie Brown, treasurer, and Ann Bandy, director- at- large.
Leonard challenged the membership to serve on city boards including the new Economic Development Advisory Board.
The 1997-1998 committee chairmen are Karen Smith Hunter, Membership; Donna Jeffries White, Community Service; Deanna Hunter Lowther, finance, and Roylene Mayse, hospitality.
Roylene Mayse was named "Outstanding Member of the Year." The presentation was made by Lynda Fox, outgoing membership chairman. Mayse was recognized for her efforts in the club, cook-off, service to the board and other contributions. She is employed by Evans and Associates.
Whitener urged the club members to move forward and to "make a difference," in the community.
Mistress of ceremonies was Ms. Worley. The invocation was by Welema Greer. Ms. Whitener, in her remarks as incoming president, reminded the club that the big event of the season is coming up with the Cherokee Strip Cook-off set for Sept. 20. The event includes the Oklahoma Barbecue Championship and the Chili Cook-off. Donna Morgan and Sandy James are the co-chairmen.
She reminded members that the next business meeting is Sept. 4 at Pioneer Technology Center. Members can buy lunch there or "brown bag it." Whitener also reminded members to bring their items for stuffing the "cooks' goody bags."
In her closing remarks Ms. Worley praised the club members and told how much she enjoyed being a part of the group and serving as president.
Arrangements for the installation luncheon were made by Carol Anne Blackwill and Carmaleta Wesbrook. Keeping with the Roses and Raspberry theme the tables were covered with burgundy table clothes and napkins. Large roses served as the centerpieces for the tables.
Each of the new officers and the "outstanding member" were
presented a red rose. The pink programs featured crushed dried flowers.
Ms. Worley presented her officers and others gifts of appreciation.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
The lack of hitting continues to plague the Lady Wildcat softball team as it collected just four hits against Enid in its home opener Monday, losing 6-0.
"We will get better," coach Roydon Tilley said after his team fell to 5-4 on the season. "Right now we're feeling our way. We'll improve as soon as we get some of our injured players back."
But the Lady Cats will have to improve in a hurry as they are scheduled to entertain Tulsa Union in a Frontier Conference match up today at 4 at the softball field behind the Ponca City Middle School.
"Union is pretty tough," Tilley said.
But even the Redskins will be hard put to out do Enid's Pacers. The visitors banged out nine hits off two Ponca City pitchers, collecting all six runs in the second and fourth innings Monday.
The Pacers combined good hitting, tough pitching and solid defense to shutout the Poncans.
Ashley Engle took the loss, giving up six runs on seven hits in three and two thirds innings. Julie Shultz came on in relief and held Enid to two hits the rest of the way.
Christian Hinman had two of the Ponca City hits, a double and a single, while Engle and Tina Osborne had the other safeties.
"We're playing a lot of young players right now," Tilley said. "It's going to get tough until we get healthy.
In the second game, the Ponca City JVs dropped a 4-2 decision to Enid.
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In the rain-shortened Broken Arrow Tournament Saturday, the Ponca City girls finished fifth in their bracket with a 2-2 record. The Lady Cats beat Pryor 3-0, lost to Edmond Memorial 8-0, fell in a squeaker, 6-5, to Del City and rallied to beat Westmoore 2-0.
Friday's action in the tournament was rained out. As a result, the 32-team field was divided into four brackets.
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Following today's game with Union, the Lady Cats are home again Thursday against Sapulpa, also starting at 4 p.m. They enter the Edmond Classic Friday and Saturday.
PONCA CITY GOLFERS, from left, Kyle Parks, Vance Webb and Joe Bob Anderson were looking for help as they made their way to the DuPont World Amateur competition some where in North and South Carolina this week. (See story on Page 2B)
Three Ponca City residents are among more than 4,000 golfers competing for the title of World Amateur Champion at Myrtle Beach, S.C., this week.
Joe Bob Anderson, Kyle Parks and Vance Webb joined golfers from nearly every state and more than 20 foreign countries as they participate in the 14th annual DuPont World Amateur competition.
The event is the world's largest golf tournament. It is played on 60 golf courses along the beautiful Grand Strand area of coastal North and South Carolina. More than $250,000 in prizes and awards will be given away in drawings and awarded to flight leaders.
"While the three of us are employed by Conoco, the energy subsidiary of DuPont, we've entered the competition without any affiliation with our employer," Anderson said. "We've heard so much about this tournament through golfing circles, so we just decided to try it ourselves."
The competition is spread over four days and is open to any amateur with a verifiable 18-hole USGA-Approved handicap (or foreign equivalent). Divisions are provided for men, senior men (55 and over), super senior men (65 and over) and women.
Players are positioned in flights according to their respective handicaps
and compete against golfers of similar skills. After 72 holes, the flight
winners advance to an 18-hole playoff Friday at the Dunes Beach & Golf
Club to determine the amateur handicap champion.